The External Partner Project-based dissertation is an in-depth individual research study of a particular issue designed and undertaken in conjunction with an External Partner. This will involve either applying or expanding the skills learned in taught modules. It will also involve critical analysis of the problem under investigation in the context of known literature, description of the methods used or developed and presentation of the final results.
The External Partner project-based dissertation is composed of:
Individual Project Proposal: 10% (1,000 words)
Group Presentation and Report to External Partner: 30% (5,000 words for the group)
Individual assignment: 60% (8,000 words)
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
View and perform critical analysis of a problem
Plan a research project on a topic appropriate to the programme of study, formulating research questions that are appropriate for a project of this scope in the chosen research area;
Select and apply and justify appropriate and ethical research methods
Select and collect data and analyse it, correctly applying an appropriate methodology;
Present and interpret findings, and formulate a cogent argument based on those findings;
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the existing research in the chosen field and of the significance of the student's own work
Demonstrate independence of thought in relating existing research to the student's own work;
Manage time effectively such that interim and final deadlines are met;
Plan, draft and produce a final version of an extended piece of academic writing; Respond effectively to a supervisor's adviceIdentify key issues and communicate key findings and recommendations to external partners;
Critically appraise the limitations of the work;
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Individual Project Proposal: 10% (1,000 words)
Group Presentation and Report to External Partner: 30% (5,000 words for the group)
Individual assignment: 60% (8,000 words)
Summative assessment with be in line with the University’s Assessment Tariff